Apple Pandowdy

There’s something magical about the first bite of Apple Pandowdy. Growing up, my family would gather in the kitchen during fall, the air filled with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked apples. This dish wasn’t just a dessert; it was a tradition, a warm hug after a long day, and a way to celebrate the harvest season. Each slice of Apple Pandowdy tells a story, rich with the flavors of honey crisp apples and buttery pie crust, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. I recall the joy of watching the crust bubble and turn golden brown, a sight that always made my heart flutter with anticipation. The butterscotch sauce, a sweet embrace for the apples, was the star of the show, pulling everyone to the table as soon as it emerged from the oven.

Ingredients Required for Apple Pandowdy

Gathering the right ingredients for Apple Pandowdy is essential to create that perfect balance of flavors. Each ingredient plays its part, from the sweet apples to the rich brown sugar. Together, they come together beautifully, creating a comforting dish that warms the heart.

• Single pie crust – This can be homemade or store-bought, serving as the perfect flaky topping for the sweet filling below.
• Honey crisp apples – Two pounds of these apples, when peeled and sliced, provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor that’s essential for a classic Apple Pandowdy.
• Lemon juice – A splash of juice from half a lemon enhances the apples’ flavor and prevents browning.
• All-purpose flour – Three tablespoons help thicken the filling, ensuring a gooey and luscious texture.
• Ground cinnamon – Two teaspoons add warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile, a signature spice of fall.
• Ground all-spice – Half a teaspoon brings another layer of spice that marries perfectly with the apples.
• Brown sugar – Two-thirds of a cup of brown sugar adds sweetness and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Heavy cream – Two tablespoons of heavy cream contribute to a rich filling that complements the apples beautifully.
• Unsalted butter – Two tablespoons of butter not only add richness but also help create that delightful butterscotch sauce.
• Turbinado sugar – One teaspoon to sprinkle on top creates a crunchy, sweet crust.
• Flaky sea salt – A teaspoon enhances the flavor and adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the dish.

Making Apple Pandowdy

Creating Apple Pandowdy is a journey filled with joy and anticipation. Each step brings you closer to that warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for sharing. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to make this delightful dessert.

1. Start by preparing your pie crust. Using either homemade or store-bought, cut out the crust however you like. I often use a rectangular cookie cutter for a shingle-like topping. Feel free to get creative with different shapes! After cutting, place the pieces on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and sliced honey crisp apples with the lemon juice, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground all-spice. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are well-coated. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, mixing the sweet and spicy elements perfectly.
3. Next, grab a 9-inch or 10-inch cast iron skillet. Set it over medium-low heat and add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture until the butter melts. Allow it to come to a gentle boil while stirring; this should take about three minutes. The mixture will turn into a rich butterscotch sauce, so keep an eye on it!
4. Turn off the heat and carefully fold in the coated apples. Gently mix until the apples are evenly coated in the butterscotch. This step is crucial as it allows the apples to absorb that sweet sauce, enhancing their flavor.
5. Now, it’s time to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will give your Apple Pandowdy that perfect golden crust and bubbling sauce.
6. With your apple mixture in the skillet, spread the apples into an even layer. Next, take your chilled pie crust pieces from the freezer and layer them on top of the apples, slightly overlapping them. This overlap is vital as the crust will shrink while baking, ensuring every bit gets that delicious crust treatment.
7. Brush the tops of the pie crust pieces with an egg wash for a beautiful, shiny finish. Then, sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
8. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the butterscotch is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn, as every oven varies!
9. Once the Apple Pandowdy is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about ten minutes. This cooling period allows the butterscotch to set slightly. Before serving, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This final touch enhances the flavors and adds a satisfying contrast to the sweetness.
10. Now, scoop out generous mounds of Apple Pandowdy into bowls or onto plates while it’s still warm. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

Change It Up

There are plenty of ways to customize Apple Pandowdy to make it your own. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Flavor Variations: Feel free to mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Add nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of flavor to your filling.
• Crust Alternatives: Experiment with different crusts, like a crumb crust made from graham crackers or oats, for a different texture.
• Try Other Fruits: Mixing in other fruits, such as pears or cranberries, can add a delightful twist to your Apple Pandowdy.
• Serving Style: Serve with a sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch.
• Garnish: A drizzle of caramel sauce over the top when serving can take this dessert to the next level.

Serve This Apple Pandowdy With

When it comes to serving Apple Pandowdy, there are a variety of delicious accompaniments to consider. Here are some ideas to enhance your dining experience:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing elevates the warm dessert, adding a creamy contrast to the sweet and spiced apples.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream can complement the rich flavors of the Apple Pandowdy.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top adds an indulgent touch that your guests will love.
• Side Salads: Pair with a light salad, such as a spinach and raspberry salad, to balance the richness of the dessert.
• Seasonal Fruits: Serve alongside other fall fruits, like pears or pomegranates, to create a colorful dessert spread.
• Cheese Board: Consider serving with a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses, which can create a nice contrast with the sweet flavors of the Apple Pandowdy.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Apple Pandowdy is a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of fall. With its rich flavors and comforting texture, it’s a dish that invites you to gather around the table with loved ones. I encourage you to try making this delightful dessert; it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your home.

Apple Pandowdy

The ultimate comfort food, Apple Pandowdy combines sweet honey crisp apples with a buttery pie crust and rich butterscotch sauce. This easy recipe creates a warm, inviting dessert that’s perfect for cozy gatherings. Try it tonight and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of fall!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pie crust Single pie crust homemade or store-bought
• 2 pounds Honey crisp apples peeled and sliced
• Juice from 1/2 Lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground all-spice
• 2/3 cup Brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Turbinado sugar
• 1 teaspoon Flaky sea salt

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Peeler
• Wooden Spoon
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Start by preparing your pie crust. Using either homemade or store-bought, cut out the crust however you like. I often use a rectangular cookie cutter for a shingle-like topping. Feel free to get creative with different shapes! After cutting, place the pieces on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and sliced honey crisp apples with the lemon juice, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and ground all-spice. Toss the ingredients together until the apples are well-coated. This ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, mixing the sweet and spicy elements perfectly.
3. Next, grab a 9-inch or 10-inch cast iron skillet. Set it over medium-low heat and add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and unsalted butter. Stir the mixture until the butter melts. Allow it to come to a gentle boil while stirring; this should take about three minutes. The mixture will turn into a rich butterscotch sauce, so keep an eye on it!
4. Turn off the heat and carefully fold in the coated apples. Gently mix until the apples are evenly coated in the butterscotch. This step is crucial as it allows the apples to absorb that sweet sauce, enhancing their flavor.
5. Now, it’s time to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will give your Apple Pandowdy that perfect golden crust and bubbling sauce.
6. With your apple mixture in the skillet, spread the apples into an even layer. Next, take your chilled pie crust pieces from the freezer and layer them on top of the apples, slightly overlapping them. This overlap is vital as the crust will shrink while baking, ensuring every bit gets that delicious crust treatment.
7. Brush the tops of the pie crust pieces with an egg wash for a beautiful, shiny finish. Then, sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added sweetness and crunch.
8. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the butterscotch is bubbling. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn, as every oven varies!
9. Once the Apple Pandowdy is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about ten minutes. This cooling period allows the butterscotch to set slightly. Before serving, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This final touch enhances the flavors and adds a satisfying contrast to the sweetness.
10. Now, scoop out generous mounds of Apple Pandowdy into bowls or onto plates while it’s still warm. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!

Notes

• Choosing the right apples: Honey crisp apples are perfect for baking, but feel free to use other robust varieties.
• Crust options: If short on time, store-bought pie crust works, but homemade gives the best flavor.

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Meet Adele Mercer

Every meal deserves a spectacular finish, whether it is a savory main or a sweet treat. I enjoy the entire creative cycle, from kneading dough to editing the final photos. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks while ensuring it delivers the high-quality results you expect.